What is Negligence?
Insurance glossary entry on BeCovered.ai for the term "Negligence": Failure to exercise reasonable care, creating legal liability when it causes harm. Scope: plain-language meaning for coverage discussions; confirm definitions on your policy forms.
Failure to exercise reasonable care, creating legal liability when it causes harm.
Understanding Negligence
Insurance defends negligence allegations subject to exclusions (intentional acts, professional services under wrong policy). Comparative/contributory negligence rules vary by state.
Examples
- Failure to salt icy stairs leading to guest injury—premises negligence.
- Distracted driving accident—auto negligence.
Common Questions About Negligence
Does insurance cover gross negligence?
Sometimes excluded or public policy limited—read intentional acts and punitive damages exclusions.
Negligence vs strict liability?
Strict liability can apply to certain dog bites or defective products even without fault—coverage still subject to exclusions.
Related Insurance Types
Related Terms
Liability
Legal responsibility for causing harm or damage to another person or their property.
Claim
A formal request to your insurance company for payment or coverage for a loss or policy event.
Umbrella Insurance
Extra liability coverage that kicks in when your auto, home, or other policy limits are exceeded.
Exclusion
Specific situations, conditions, or types of damage that your insurance policy does not cover.